[The combined occurrence of pubertal gynecomastia and varicocele]

Examinations of 39 men between 14 and 18 years of age revealed that half of the cases of pubertal gynaecomastia are false gynaecomasties. In reality, the patients are suffering from fibrous mastosis. It is shown that gynaecomastia is mostly accompanied by left-sided varicocele, whereas in varicocele complaints there are only few cases of gynaecomastia. It is concluded that in pubertal gynaecomastia it is necessary to determine whether the disease is merely a temporary fibrosis that will heal by itself, or whether it is a sign of some other, graver disease. On the other hand, the state of the testicles and the scrotum should be considered in every case. Surgery of pubertal gynaecomastia is considered unnecessary; however, invasive treatment of the varicocele is very important. The importance of psychological care of the patients is stressed.